Bird Expedition Apr, 28

Space is limited, so please RSVP!

Join Greenbelt and a local guide to find great birding spots at Carter Fields, Carter Hill, and Mazurenko Farm. There is a wildlife viewing platform overlooking a pond and surrounding wetlands. Earlier this year, we did spot an osprey nest here! Just across the road is another trail system that leads to fields and a copse of locust trees, as well as ash, pine and birch.

We'll start at Carter Fields. Drive down Carter Field Road and park next to the playing fields on the right. The trailhead is at the back-right corner of these fields.

We'll observe from the platform overlooking the wetlands, then continue along the wooded trail in a loop back to the parking area.

Next, we'll cross the road to Carter Hill and observe hawks, meadow birds, and then descend into the woods briefly-- Carter Hill is a very steep climb, so please wear sturdy shoes and be prepared.

WHERE: Carter Fields, Boxford/North Andover
Parking area on Carter Field Road, North Andover <-- Click for map

WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 2019. 1:00-3:00 pm

Donibristle Reservation Public Opening Apr, 28

Join us to celebrate the official public opening of the Donibristle
Reservation, 44-acres of newly-conserved land.

Guided walk & refreshments.

WHERE: New parking lot at the intersection of Hill Street and Rowley Bridge Road in Topsfield.

WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 1:00-2:30 pm

(Rescheduled from October due to weather)

Photo: 

Forest Bathing Workshop May, 14

Nadine Mazzola will lead us in a Forest Bathing workshop, a multi-sensory experience in nature.  The practice originated in Japan where it is called shinrin-yoku.

Mazzola, a certified Forest Therapy Guide, trainer and mentor, will explain why taking a leisurely walk in the woods is proven by scientists to benefit physical as well as mental health. Its positive effects are said to last a month following each weekend in the woods. 

Forest Bathing was recently the subject of Windows to the World.  Watch Video 

WHERE:  Julia Bird Reservation, Ipswich

WHEN:  Tuesday, May 14, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

FEE: $25

DIRECTIONS & PARKING:  Click Here

Photo credit: Jerry Monkman

Andover Hike - AVIS Celebration May, 16

Explore connected properties-- Indian Ridge, West Parish Meadow, and Baker's Meadow-- in historic Andover. We'll follow the shores of a pond with waterlilies, swans, a beaver deceiver; walk along an ancient ridgeline trail; and stroll through wild meadow grasses and flowers. In partnership with AVIS (Andover Village Improvement Society) as they celebrate their 125th anniversary.

WHERE: Indian Ridge Reservation, Andover, MA

WHEN: Thursday, May 16, 2019. 9:30-11:30 am.

Family Nature Series - Birds - Bees - Butterflies May, 18

Celebrate and learn about honey bees, butterflies and the other pollinators so important to our flowers and food supply on May 18, Family Pollinator Day.

There is much to learn about these hard-working pollinators. With kid-friendly activities, attendees with learn about the many fruits, vegetables, and nuts, including chocolate and coffee they help bring us.

WHEN: SATURDAY, MAY 18, 10am - 1pm

WHERE:  COX RESERVATION, ESSEX

FREE

Eyes on Owls at iFarm May, 19

Mark and Marcia founded Eyes On Owls in 1994 as a way to rescue owls that are injured (often by cars) and cannot be returned to the wild. Eyes On Owls helps the public understand these magnificent animals and the best ways to protect them.

Eyes On Owls will share the field marks, signs and naturalist’s skills that you can use to see wild owls without disturbing them, while introducing you to six live owls up close.  They will also share tips on how to protect owls near you.

Explore the world of owls with two talented naturalists and their six lively owls on a beautiful summer day at iFarm!

All attendees aged 3 and up require a ticket for this event.

Visit iFarm's website to register. Use the code GREENBELT to get $10 tickets ($18 without the code).

WHEN: Sunday, May 19, 2019. 11:00am-12:00pm

WHERE: iFarm, 55 Towne Rd., Boxford, MA 

Wild Edibles Walk May, 21

Enjoy nibbling on edible plants at Cox Reservation with local expert Russ Cohen. You'll learn to identify common species in this area and explore the wild edibles to be found along the marsh.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 21. 6:00-8:00pm

WHERE: Cox Reservation, Essex, MA 

30th Annual Art in the Barn Jun, 07

Join us for the 30th annual Art in the Barn where art transforms the Cox Reservation barns and grounds into an exciting weekend-long exhibition and sale. Local artists bring paintings, sculpture, glass, jewelry, and more. 

Proceeds benefit Greenbelt’s local land conservation efforts.

WHEN:   
Friday, June 7th: 10am - 3pm  
Friday, June 7th - Public Reception: 5 - 8:30 pm.  
   Live music, food trucks, beer & wine
Saturday, June 8th: 10am - 5pm 
   Live music, kids' activities
Sunday, June 9th: 10am - 5pm

WHERE: Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Ave., Essex

FREE; no RSVP required   

Art in the Barn is a juried show. If you are interested in participating, please fill out the Artist Jury Application Form and send the required elements to jane@ecga.org before April 15, 2019.

Family Nature Series - Wild Edibles for Kids Jun, 15

Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs present a yummy walk around Cox Reservation where you'll munch on edible plants on the property.

Your guide, Andrew Prazar, will show you how to spot edible plants and teach us about what to eat and what not to eat outdoors. Of course, we'll try a few of the most tasty edible treats!

Some plants we might taste include Juneberries, Dandelions, Lamb's Quarters, Cattails, Milkweed, and Pineapple Weed flowers. You'll also learn about nuts that come from local trees and we'll hunt for some other fun plants like Sassafrass and Beach Plum.

WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 4:00-6:00 pm

WHERE: Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Ave., Essex, MA

FREE

*Parents- Give a call or send an email if you have any questions! 978-768-7241, ext. 17 or jane@ecga.org

Guided Paddle Jun, 16

Greenbelt and Ipswich River Watershed Association invite you to paddle down the river with us! We'll learn about the river and the green space that surrounds it.

Bring your own canoe/kayak or paddle one of ours! Just let us know in advance if you'd like to borrow a boat by emailing Jane at jane@ecga.org. We have PFDs, too!

WHERE: Ipswich River Watershed headquarters at Riverbend, 143 County Rd. (which is 1A), Ipswich.

WHEN: Sunday, June 16, 1:00-3:00 pm

**Please arrive early to launch so we can head down the river promptly at 1:00!

Stone Tower Walk Jun, 20

Greenbelt and Friends of Lynn Woods invite you to explore this beautiful forest. We'll walk to the Stone Tower and enjoy the view from the top.

Please note, this hike is hilly and may be strenuous for some. You may wish to bring trekking poles.

WHERE: Lynn Woods, Lynn, MA
Parking location TBA

WHEN: Thursday, June 20, 9:30-11:30 am

Rafton Reservation Hike Jun, 23

Greenbelt and the Andover Village Improvement Society invite you on a partner hike to help celebrate AVIS's 125 Anniversary in land conservation. 

Rafton Reservation is one of the jewels of Andover's open space. Local expert Jeff Lafontaine will be leading the hike and will give us a bit of history of the reservation and interesting tidbits about the area.

WHERE: Rafton Reservation, Andover
Parking location TBA

WHEN: Sunday, June 23, 1:00-3:00 pm

Great Marsh Natural History Cruise Jun, 26

Observe nesting Osprey and other wildlife with Greenbelt's Dave Rimmer, Land Stewardship Director.

WHERE: Essex River Cruises, 35 Dodge St., Essex

WHEN: Wed., June 26
Arrive and board: 6:15 pm
Depart: promptly at 6:30 pm 
Return to the dock: 8:30 pm

Click RSVP and then Register to join the waitlist!

The special member code to access the event should be in your mailbox or email!

If you'd like to become a member, or check your membership status, give Alexandra a call at 978-768-7241, ext. 10. 

Pingree Run for the Hills Trail Run Jul, 13

The race course winds through the beautiful wooded hills behind Pingree School. Register online or by mail. Both distances are part of the North Shore Trail Series.

Register by June 19 to guarantee your race shirt.

WHERE: Behind the Pingree School, 537 Highland Street, South Hamilton

WHEN: Saturday, July 13, 9:00 am start

Packet pick-up: Friday, July 12, 10:00-7:00 at New England Running Company, 43 Enon St., Beverly

Race-day registration: Saturday, July 13, 7:30-8:45 am behind the Pingree School, 537 Highland Street, South Hamilton

Family Nature Series - Discover the Salt Marsh Aug, 03

Discover the ecosystem of the Salt Marsh! Wear your muck boots to tromp through the marsh grass to meet insects, fish, horseshoe crabs, algae, and all sorts of marshland birds like herrons and maybe an osprey.

WHEN: Saturday, August 3, 4:00-6:00pm

WHERE: Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Rowley

FREE

Member Event - Farm Walk & Family Fun Aug, 18

At this members-only event, join the farmers at Alprilla Farm for an exciting tour, then stick around for a fun family activity.

WHERE: Alprilla Farm, Essex

WHEN: Sunday, August 18, 10:00am-noon

FREE; Members only.

Look in your mailbox or your email for your member event code, required to access the event.

To become a member, or to check your membership status, give Alexandra a call at 978-768-7241, ext. 10.

Photo: Jerry Monkman/ecophotography.com

Beverly Commons Trail Run Aug, 24

Part of the 2019 North Shore Trail Series, this challenging trail run winds through Beverly Commons Conservation Area in Beverly, MA. You'll run along bog bridges, down beautiful, twisting single-track trail, along old carriage roads, and up and over rocky outcroppings. Join the fun for 3.5 miles or two loops for 7 miles total. Register by July 26 to guarantee your Greenbelt gear.

$30 registration fee / $25 reg fee for Greenbelt members

WHERE: Beverly Commons Conservation Area, Greenwood Ave, Beverly. 

Parking will be at the Glen Urquhart School lot on Greenwood Ave., Beverly

WHEN: Saturday, August 24, 9:00 am start

Packet pick-up: Friday, August 23, 10:00-7:00 at New England Running Company, 43 Enon St., Beverly

Day-of registration: 7:30-8:45 am, Saturday, August 24.

Member Event - Full Moon Hike Oct, 12

Venture onto the trails for a peaceful moonlit hike with friends, then meet up with the whole group at Brewery Silvaticus.

WHEN: Saturday, October 12, 6:30-7:30 pm hike, 7:45-? brews

WHERE: Whittier Hill Reservation, Amesbury
Then, Brewery Silvaticus (downtown Amesbury)

Hike is Free; Don't forget your ID for the brewery

Look for your member-only events code in your email or mailbox! If you would like to become a member (or have questions about your membership status), give Alexandra a call at 978-768-7241, ext. 10.

You can also become a member by visiting https://ecga.org/Membership

*Photo: Jerry Monkman/ecophotography.com